US6055688A - Baby diaper changing station with hidden hinge structure - Google Patents

Abstract

A wall-mounted station for changing the diapers of a baby comprises a base configured for being vertically mounted to a wall and defining a base plane and a baby platform hingedly mounted to the base and defining a platform plane. The baby platform is operable for being movable between an opened position wherein the platform plane is disposed generally perpendicular to the base plane for the platform to receive a baby and a closed position wherein the platform plane is generally parallel to the base plane. A stop structure extends from a rear edge of the baby platform proximate the base and generally perpendicular to the platform plane. A mounting pad is positioned on the base and is disposed generally parallel to the base plane. The stop structure is operable for abutting against the mounting pad when the baby platform is moved to an open position to support the platform and maintain the baby platform perpendicular to the base when the weight of a baby is placed thereon.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus to be placed in a restroom for changing the diapers of an infant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Apparatuses for changing the diapers of a baby or "changing a baby" and other small children not yet toilet trained, have become widely used, such as in public restrooms, to assist a parent or other child supervisor when changing a baby's diapers. Such baby diaper changing apparatuses, oftentimes referred to as simply baby changing stations, have taken various forms as evidenced by patents in the field, and generally take the form of a base which is mounted vertically onto a surface of a wall and a support platform or surface which is hingedly mounted to the base to hinge down from the base and lie generally horizontal to support a baby. While available baby changing stations may operate sufficiently for the primary purpose of offering a surface on which to rest a baby during a diaper change, the currently available stations have various drawbacks and, specifically, do not difficult to adequately clean the stations. If the stations are not thoroughly cleaned, they accumulate dirt and thus will not be used by the facility's patrons. From a business standpoint, having a dirty baby changing station which is not used is generally a worse alternative than having no baby changing station at all.

The available stations use hinge structures which require various crevices and openings. Such hinge structures are necessary for supporting the baby platform. Therefore, they have been used despite cleaning issues because they are strong. Any attempts to reduce the crevices around the hinge structures of such baby changing apparatuses can only be done if the structural integrity of the apparatus is not jeopardized. That is, the support platform must remain sufficiently strong to support the weight of a baby or small child. Actually, the support platform must be able to support a weight significantly more than the weight of a small child.

Another drawback to conventional stations is the exposed hinge structures which may be seen both when the baby platform is up in a closed position and when the platform is down in the opened position. The hinge structures are very noticeable and thus detract from the appearance of the station. It is desirable to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the baby changing station within the restroom environment. The baby changing station must still be comfortable-looking and inviting to entice a parent to it.

The cost and operation of the baby changing station are also important factors to be considered. A facilities owner does not want to spend address the needs of facility owners who must maintain the restrooms or other facilities in which the baby changing apparatuses are mounted.

First, conventional stations are costly to clean and maintain and often are not adequately cleaned even when a thorough effort is made. Currently available baby changing stations utilize complicated hinge structures with multiple elements which are both exposed when the diaper changing platform or support platform is hinged down to a horizontal position to receive a baby, and when the platform is hinged up against the wall. The hinge structures create a large number of crevices and joints which trap dirt, diaper wipes, and other undesirable materials to which the upper surface or changing surface of the platform is exposed. When such material gets into and between the hinge structures, it is difficult to remove and thus creates an environment for germs. Cleaning personnel will generally not take the time necessary to clean in between the various cracks and crevices of the hinge structure to remove the material. Furthermore, even substantial efforts to do so may be unsuccessful due to the depths of the crevices. Dedicating cleaning personnel to such a difficult task removes them from other cleaning tasks and slows their efficiency, thus increasing the costs of cleaning and maintaining the facilities.

One alternative for a thorough cleaning is disassembly of the diaper changing station. With respect to available diaper changing stations, disassembly of the unit is generally not an option. Additionally, removing the unit from the wall for cleaning purposes is also undesirable. As such, facility owners who maintain the restrooms and the baby changing stations find it an exorbitant amount of money to purchase and maintain the changer. Therefore, the hinge structure securing the support platform to the base should operate without a large number of complicated, interconnecting parts which are subject to failure and breakage.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to enhance the cleanability of a baby diaper changing station and to reduce the accumulation of dirt and other undesirable material on the station.

It is a further objective of the invention to ensure that the support platform of the baby changing station is sufficiently strong to hold an amount of weight exceeding the weight of a normal small child.

It is an additional objective of the present invention to provide a baby changing station which is aesthetically pleasing to view, both opened and closed, and is inviting to a child care provider for use in changing a baby's diaper.

It is still another objective of the invention to reduce the purchase and maintenance costs of a baby diaper changing station while providing a durable and easily maintained station.

These objectives and other objectives are addressed by the present invention and are discussed further hereinbelow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the above objectives and other objectives by providing a wall-mounted station for changing the diapers of a baby which comprises a base configured for being vertically mounted to a wall and a baby platform hingedly mounted to a base to provide improved rigidity and support to the platform. In the opened position, the invention further eliminates various crevices proximate the platform trough in which the baby is changed which are existent in prior art stations, and thus provides easier cleaning of the platform. In the closed position, the station provides a smooth and aesthetically pleasing front surface which does not reveal any hinge structures. The elimination of hinge exposure in the closed position further provides a cleaner station which is less susceptible to trapping and containing bathroom dirt and germs. The support structures used in the present invention for supporting the baby platform provide improved rigidity to the platform, thus reducing sag.

To that end, the baby platform is hingedly mounted to the base and defines a platform plane. The platform is movable to an opened position where the platform plane is perpendicular to a base plane defined by the wall-mounted base. The platform is configured to receive a baby in the opened position. In the closed position, the platform is hinged up against the base such that the platform plane is generally parallel to the base plane. The support structures of the invention are configured such that, in the closed position, a smooth front surface is presented by the station which is more aesthetically pleasing than prior art stations which expose hinge structures. Furthermore, the smooth front surface is easier to clean and thus prevents the accumulation of dirt and germs which normally would collect in the hinge structures of prior art stations.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the baby platform is rigidly supported from the base in the opened position by a series of stop structures which engage mounting pads on the base. More specifically, the stop structures extend upwardly from a rear edge of the baby platform which is positioned proximate the base when the platform and base are hingedly coupled together. The stop structures extend generally perpendicular to the platform plane. A series of mounting pads are formed on the base and are disposed generally parallel to the base plane. Thus when the platform is moved to the opened position so that the platform plane is perpendicular to the base plane, the stop structures will extend generally parallel to the base plane to engage the mounting pads and abut thereagainst. The abutting stop structures and mounting pads secure the opened platform in a generally horizontal position for receiving a baby thereon. The stop structures provide greater rigidity to the platform than has been achievable with prior art baby diaper changing stations utilizing conventional hinge structures. A metal pivot rod extends through the platform and base where they are hingedly coupled together and in combination with the various stop structures and mounting pads provides rigid, hinged securement of the platform to the base.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the mounting pads on the base are defined by a forwardly extending lip which extends generally along the length of the base. The lip and mounting pads formed thereby abut against the stop structures, as mentioned above, such that when the platform is in the opened position the stop structures are generally completely hidden by the lip. Therefore, the lip extending generally along the length of the base eliminates many of the various cracks and crevices associated with prior art hinge structures and provides a smooth surface which may be easily cleaned, along with the upper surface or trough of the baby platform. Thus, the invention provides a sanitary improvement over the prior art. Furthermore, the easier cleaning of the inventive station reduces the cost of maintenance to the facility owner.

The inventive station is also more aesthetically appearing than prior art stations. The stop structures are hidden from view in the opened position thus creating a clean, smooth, and sleek look to the station. Furthermore, the stop structures are also hidden from view in the closed position. Since the stop structures extend perpendicularly to the platform, they will extend rearwardly on the base when the platform is closed against the base to provide a clean and smooth look to the front surface of the closed station.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention provides a baby platform which hinges away from the base at an end thereof so that the baby extends lengthwise away from the wall generally with its head proximate the wall and its feet away from the wall to be accessed for the diaper changing procedure. The platform for the alternative embodiment thus extends further away from the base and creates a greater downward force or moment on the platforn. Accordingly, the hinge structure used to couple the platform to the base utilizes a combination of the stop structures and mounting pads discussed hereinabove, as well as secondary mounting surfaces provided by portions of the base and platform which further secure the platform in the open position and thus reduce the sag or downward flex of the platform when a baby is placed thereon. When the platform is in the opened position, the secondary surfaces of the hinge structure are disposed generally parallel to the platform, whereas the stop structures and mounting pads are disposed generally perpendicular to the platform. The combination of perpendicular and parallel supporting surfaces in addition to the mounting rod provided by the invention create a very strong support structure for the platform to compensate for the increased moment forces thereon provided by its orientation at a greater distance from the wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the diaper changing station of the present invention.

FIG. 1A is a front view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 with the platform in the closed position.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the station of FIG. 1 with the platform in an open position.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of FIG. 2 taken alonglines 3--3, showing the platform in the opened and closed positions respectively.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of FIG. 1 taken alonglines 4--4, showing the platform in the opened and closed positions respectively.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are rear view of the station of FIG. 1 in both the opened and closed positions respectively.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the embodiment in FIG. 6 with the platform in the opened position.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views alonglines 8--8 of FIG. 7 with the platform in the opened and closed positions, respectively.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views alonglines 9--9 of FIG. 7 with the platform in the opened and closed positions, respectively.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the embodiment in FIG. 6 with the platform in the closed position.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the embodiment in FIG. 6 with the platform in the opened position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.Diaper changing station 10 includes a base 12 which is configured for being vertically mounted to a wall.Base 12 defines a base plane 13 (see FIG. 3A), and the base may be vertically mounted onto anappropriate wall surface 14 bybolts 15 or other appropriate fasteners (see FIG. 2).Base 12 forms acavity 16 and includes aface surface 18. Aflange 19 surrounds the periphery of the base. Thebase 12 has a defined depth "D" and may be either surface mounted on a wall or inset into the wall up to flange 19 so that the flange is flush against the wall.

For holding paper liners or towels to be utilized in the baby changing operation,base 12 includes adual liner dispenser 20 withinlet openings 21 for loading liners therein, andoutlet openings 22 for dispensing the liners. Theliner dispenser 20 is raised forward from surface 18 a sufficient distance for formingcavities 23 in the dispenser for holding the liners (see FIGS. 5A and 5B).

Hingedly mounted tobase 12 is a support platform orbaby platform 30 which defines aplatform plane 31. Thebaby platform 30 is operable for being movable between an open position as illustrated in FIG. 1 wherein theplatform plane 31 is disposed generally perpendicular to the base plane 13 (see FIG. 3A). The baby platform also has a closed position as illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 3B and 4B, wherein the baby platform is hinged up against thebase 12 and theplatform plane 31 is generally parallel to thebase plane 13.Baby platform 30 includes atrough 32 which is configured to give a depth to theplatform 30 for safely containing a baby who is to have its diapers changed thereon. Thetrough 32 is defined by a curvedupper surface 33 which curves or slopes downwardly from aperipheral lip 34 of the platform to define the effective depth of the trough. Asafety strap 35 is secured at both ends and is used to belt a baby into thetrough 32. One end of thestrap 35 is secured to therear wall surface 36 of the trough. The other end of the strap is secured into acutout 37 in thefront wall 38 of thetrough 32. Thecutout 37 insures that the end of the strap will not interfere withbase 12 when thebaby platform 30 is moved to a closed position. Preferably,strap 35 is adjustable in length.

For securing diaper bags, purses, and other items during the diaper changing procedure, utility hooks 39 are formed in the front corners ofbaby platform 30 on the outside oftrough 32. Aflange 40 extends peripherally around thebaby platform 30 and lies flush againstflange 19 when theplatform 30 is in the closed position. Thebase 12 and platform are molded of a suitable plastic material.

Extending forward ofsurface 18 on the base is alip 41 which extends generally across a substantial portion of the length ofbase 12.Lip 41 forms and defines mounting pads for engaging various stop structures to holdbaby platform 30 in an opened and generally horizontal position as discussed further hereinbelow. The raisedlip 41 is generally continuous with the raisedliner dispenser 20 and acylinder cavity 42 which is formed for accommodating a cylinder for smooth opening and closing of the baby platform 30 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). The raisedliner dispenser 20, raisedlip 41, andcylinder cavity 42 help to define thecavity 16 inbase 12. The cavity has a depth from theflange 19 sufficient to receive thelip 34 ofplatform 30. Therefore, in a closed position, a portion of thebaby platform 30 is recessed into thebase 12 and theperipheral flanges 40 and 19 are generally disposed flush against each other, as shown in FIG. 1A.

Base 12 includes a slot portion orslot 44 formed proximate thebottom edge 43 ofbase 12. Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B,slot 44 has sufficient depth to receive arear edge 45 ofplatform 30 and provides sufficient room for pivoting movement of theedge 45 andplatform 30 within theslot 44 so that theplatform 30 may be moved between an opened and closed position, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, and as discussed further hereinbelow.

Referring to FIG. 1,flange 19 includes a step-upportion 19a which further defines theslot 44 ofbase 12 and provides a thicker portion of theflange 19. When the platform is closed,flange 40 on theplatform 30 overliesflange 19 generally above the slot orslot portion 44 of thebase 12. Preferably, the step-upportion 19a is of sufficient thickness to generally match the thickness of theoverlying flanges 40 and 19 and thus provide a flush and flat look to the front and side ofstation 10 when it is in the closed position, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 3B, and 4B. As shown in FIG. 2,peripheral flange 40 overlies an upper portion offlange 19 but does not overlyflange portion 19a in either the opened or closed position. In the opened position, therear edge 45 is positionedproximate flange portion 19a.

Thebaby platform 30 of the invention is secured to base 12 generally horizontally when the platform is in the opened position.Platform 30 is prevented from rotating past the horizontal position to any great degree. In that way, thebaby platform 30 will support the weight of a baby or older child having its diaper changed without substantial sagging below a horizontal position. The invention provides improved rigidity for that purpose. Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B,platform 30 is hingedly coupled tobase 12 by ametal hinge rod 50 which extends throughbase 12 andplatform 30 as illustrated byreference numeral 50 in FIG. 2 (see also FIG. 1A). While themetal pivot rod 50 extends completely along the length of thestation 10, the points of support for theplatform 30 with respect tobase 12 are generally indicated byreference circles 52 where thepivot rod 50 passes through both an end of thebase 12 and an end of theplatform 30. For the rest of the length ofplatform 30, the rod extends therethrough without contacting another portion of the base.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A,slot 44 receives therear edge 45 ofbase 30 and is sufficiently dimensioned to allow for the base to be hinged or rotated between the opened position (FIG. 3A) and the closed position (FIG. 3B). Along the rear edge, thebase 30 includesstop structures 54 which engage thelip 41 ofbase 12 when the platform is in the opened position. The stop structure resembles an up-struck tooth depending upwardly from the rear edge of the platform 30 (see FIG. 3A).Stop structure 54 includes aforward surface 55 which engages rearward surfaces 57 or mounting pads of thelip 41. Thesurfaces 57 are referred to and defined as mounting pads. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, all of the mounting pads are defined as parts of a continuous surface formed bylip 41; however, they may also be discreet surfaces formed individually for eachstop structure 54. When thestop structure 54 engageslip 41, thebase 30 is generally prevented from rotating any further horizontally than the opened position. Thestop structure 54 provides a rigidity to the base 30 which is not achievable with the hinge structures which are conventionally used. The mountingpads 57 provide a wide surface for thestop structures 54 to engage. Thesurfaces 55 and 57 are disposed generally parallel to the base and the forces acting on those surfaces and the mountingpads 57 and stop structures are generally tensile in nature rather than compressive. Because thebase 12 andplatform 30 are formed of plastic, there will be some give or sag when theplatform 30 is in the open position and the weight of the baby is placed thereon. However, theunique stop structures 54 and mountingpads 57 of the invention provide a rigidity which has not been achievable in the prior art. Whenplatform 30 is moved to the closed position as illustrated in FIG. 3B, thestop structure 54 moves within aslot 58 formed in the base 12 so that theplatform 30 may be moved to a flush, closed position (see FIG. 1A).

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, theplatform 30 includes at least two (2) stop structures, one positioned proximate either end of the platform. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the platform includes approximately three (3) stop structures wherein onestop structure 60 is positioned proximate the middle of the platform betweenstop structures 54 and near one end of theclosing cylinder 62 as discussed further hereinbelow.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the closingcylinder 62 of the invention is shown. The closingcylinder 62 is coupled at a top end thereof tobase 12 by apin 64. Theend 65 of the cylinder rotates aroundpin 64. Aslot 67 is formed in therear surface 68 ofbase 12 for receiving theelongated cylinder 62. Theopposite end 69 ofcylinder 62 is coupled toplatform 30 by anotherpin 70 which extends throughstop structure 60.Stop structure 60 is in the form of twosections 60a, 60b, and thepin 70 extends therebetween and throughend 69 of the cylinder, as illustrated in FIG. 5A.Cylinder 62 is a compressed air cylinder and includes acylindrical body 73 and apiston 74 which moves within the body.Piston 74 is biased outwardly in the direction ofarrow 75 and thus maintainsplatform 30 in the closed position when it is moved up against base 12 (see FIG. 4B). Whenplatform 30 is moved to the opened position, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, thepiston 74 is compressed in thecylinder body 73 against biasingforce 75. The biasingforce 75 is insufficient to overcome the weight of the openedplatform 30, especially if a baby is placed on the platform. Therefore, onceplatform 30 is opened, it will remain opened. However, when closingplatform 30, a person using the station is assisted by the biasingforce 75 ofcylinder 62. In that way, the force needed to liftplatform 30 to the closed position is lessened, making it easier to close the station. Furthermore,piston 74 moves withinbody 73 in a controlled manner so that whenplatform 30 is closed, it does not slam shut, but rather moves in a slow, controlled motion dictated by the operation ofcylinder 62. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, theelongated opening 67 for receivingcylinder 62 couples with theslot 61 formed to provide movement of thestop structures 60a, 60b when the platform is moved between the opened and closed positions. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 5B, when the platform is moved to the opened position, thestop structures 60a, 60b rest against mountingpads 57 which are formed bylip 41 generally along the length of thebase 12. Three distinct mounting pad positions are shown for receiving thestop structures 54 and 60 in the embodiments illustrated in the FIGS. 1-5B. However,additional stop structures 54, 60 and mountingpads 57 may be added tobaby platform 30 as needed for providing additional rigidity to the platform.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, babydiaper changing station 10 significantly reduces the number of cracks and crevicesproximate platform 30 which might capture and accumulate dirt or other material and therefore be difficult to clean. Referring to FIG. 1,lip 41 extends generally along the length ofbase 12 and defines the various mountingpads 57 for receiving the stop structures as discussed above. Thelip 41 extends forwardly fromsurface 18 of the base to cover a portion of the platform proximate the rear edge and also to cover the stop structures.Station 10 thus eliminates the plurality of slots formed by the various different hinge structures utilized in prior art stations.Lip 41 provides a smooth outside surface to clean proximate thesurface 33 oftrough 32 ofplatform 30. Most of the mess associated with changing a baby's diaper will be contained within thetrough 32, but may also may migrate over to the bottom portion ofbase 30 proximate thelip 41. In the present invention, theoutside lip 41 may be easily wiped down and is therefore substantially easier to clean than prior art diaper changing stations.

Furthermore, the unique combination of elements of the invention eliminates a visible hinge structure on the outside ofstation 10 when it is closed. Referring to FIG. 1A, a smooth, clean, and aesthetically pleasing design and profile of the station is provided at the front of the station. In the closed position, the bottom edge of the station is defined byflange portion 19a and not a hinge structure. Therefore, the present invention also eliminates crevices and openings on the outside of the station in the closed position which may accumulate dirt and other material from the rest room environment. The front surface ofstation 10 can be readily wiped clean and maintained.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention wherein a baby will be positioned to lay with his feet or head facing away from the wall.Station 80 includes abase 82 and aplatform 84 hingedly coupled tobase 82.Platform 84 extends lengthwise away from the base whereas theplatform 30 ofstation 10 extends lengthwise along the base.Base 82 forms acavity 81 which has a sufficient depth for receivingbaby platform 82 such that the platform lies generally flush against the base 82 in the closed position as discussed hereinabove with the other embodiment. Theperipheral flange 85 extends aroundbase 82 and definessidewalls 83 which formcavity 81. The correspondingflange 87 aroundplatform 84 lies flush against theflange 85 when thestation 80 is in aclosed position Station 80 is configured for being surface mounted to a wall 86.

Aliner dispenser 88 is formed onbase 82 and is raised from thefront surface 90 of the base. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, theliner dispenser 80 includes twoseparate compartments 88a, 88b for dispensing liners and includesinlets 91 for loading the liners and outlets 93 for accessing the liners from the front of the station when it is in the opened position as shown in FIG. 6. Alip 94 is formed onbase 82 proximate the lower edge of the base where it is hingedly coupled toplatform 84. The lip defines mounting pads for stop structures in the base, as discussed further hereinbelow. Acylinder casing 95 extends between and is generally coextensive with thelip 94 and theliner dispenser 88 for containing and covering an opening cylinder coupled between the base 82 andbaby platform 84. Utility hooks 96 are formed proximate the front edge ofplatform 84 for receiving a purse, diaper bag or similar item. Asafety strap 97 is coupled at its ends toplatform 84 for securing a child thereon. The child is generally disposed onplatform 84 with its feet facing away from a wall surface. Thebase 82 is mounted to a wall surface bybolts 99 or other similar structures (see FIG. 7).Station 80 operates similarly tostation 10 andbaby platform 84 can be hinged between opened and closed positions with respect tobase 82.

Instation 80, theplatform 84 is hingedly mounted tobase 82 to enjoy the advantages of the present invention. More specifically,platform 84 is rigidly mounted tobase 82 to reduce the sag of the platform below a generally horizontal position as illustrated in FIG. 6. Furthermore, when the platform is moved to a closed position, as illustrated in FIGS. 8B and 9B, a flat, and aesthetically pleasing front surface is provided which eliminates the visibility of any hinge structure and also provides a smooth surface for easy cleaning. As illustrated in FIG. 6,station 80 exposes a portion of ahinge structure 100 and thus may be slightly more susceptible to collecting material and dirt proximate the hinge structure. However, a baby onplatform 84 will generally be positioned with its feet pointing away from the wall. Therefore, any mess associated with changing the diapers of a baby will be contained proximate thefront edge 101 of the station. This is a substantially different situation thanstation 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 wherein the baby is positioned on theplatform 30 such that one side of the baby is adjacent to the area whereplatform 30 is coupled tobase 12.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the platform and base are shown in cross-section proximate anopening cylinder 102. Anend 103 of the cylinder is coupled tobase 82 through apin 104 so thatend 103 may pivot with respect to the base. Theother end 105 ofcylinder 102 is coupled through apin 106 to the base for pivoting with respect to the base.Cylinder 102 includescylinder body 109 and apiston 110 which moves in and out of the cylinder body. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the base further includes stopstructures 112, 114. Thestop structure 114 might be considered as twoportions 114a, 114b.Pin 105 extends betweenstop structures 114a, 114b. As discussed hereinabove, whenplatform 84 is moved into the opened position, thestop structures 112, 114 abut against mountingpads 116 defined in a rear surface of base 82 (see FIG. 10). In that way,platform 84 is rigidly secured in a generally horizontal position, thus eliminating sag associated with the weight of theplatform 84, as well as the weight of the baby placed on the platform. Thestop structures 112, 114 are positioned proximate the sides of the platform as well as the center of the platform for providing an even holding force across the width of the platform. FIGS. 9A and 9B show cross-sectional views wherein one of theouter stop structures 112 abuts against the mountingpad 116 formed bylip 94. As illustrated in FIG. 6,lip 94 extends generally across the width ofplatform 84 and forms and defines the various mountingpads 116.Lip 94 thus presents a rigid structure for securing theplatform 84 in the opened position. For hinging,station 80 includes ametal hinge rod 118 which extends through theplatform 84 and base 82 (see FIG. 7).

Similar to station 10, whenstation 80 is opened, thepiston 110 is compressed intocylinder body 109 which creates a biasing force in direction ofarrow 119. The biasing force enables theplatform 84 to be easily closed.

Thestop structures 112, 114 ofplatform 84 extend upwardly from thetop surface 85 of theplatform 84 which definestrough 92. In that way, whenplatform 84 is moved to the closed position, as illustrated in FIGS. 8B and 9B, the stop structures generally project rearwardly against the wall and are hidden from view from the front of the station. The bottom surface 89 ofplatform 84 is then exposed as a front surface of the closed station. Surface 89 is a flat and generally continuous and unbroken surface which is easily wiped clean, and which provides an aesthetically pleasing overall look to the station when it is in the closed position. Thehinge structure 100 and various elements thereof which hingedlycouple base 82 andplatform 84 together are hidden from view. Thus the collection of dirt and other material by the hinge structures when the changingstation 80 is in the closed position is reduced. Referring to FIGS. 6, 10, and 11, changingstation 80 includes hinge portions associated with each of thebase 82 andplatform 84 for providing further strength and support where the base and platform are hingedly coupled together. To that end, portions of thebase 82 and corresponding portions of theplatform 84 interact to create thehinge structure 100. More specifically,platform 84 includes outercylindrical portions 120 which define thestop structures 112 on a rear edge of the platform proximate either side of the platform. A centercylindrical portion 122 defines thestop structures 114a, 114b in their position proximate the longitudinal center of theplatform 84 at the rear edge of the platform.

Correspondingly, the base portion ofhinge structure 100 includescylindrical portions 124 which are positioned between theouter portions 120 and thecenter portion 122 for completing thehinge structure 100. Whenplatform 84 is in the opened position, as shown in FIG. 10, surfaces 125 formed byportions 120 abut against a downwardly directedface surface 126 ofbase 82. Simultaneously, downwardly directedsurfaces 127 ofbase 82 rest againstsurfaces 128 defined byplatform 84 generally between thestop structures 112 and 114. The interaction between surfaces 125,126 and 127, 128 provides additional support toplatform 84 in the opened position. Thereforestation 80 utilizes the interaction between thestop structures 112, 114 and the mountingpads 116, as well as the interaction between thesurfaces 125, 126 and 127, 128 to provide support toplatform 84 with respect tobase 82. The extra support provided for bysurfaces 125, 126 and 127, 128 addresses theelongated platform 34 and the moment forces thereon.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims (5)

What is claimed is:

1. A wall-mounted station for changing the diapers of a baby comprising:

a base configured for being vertically mounted to a wall and defining a base plane;

a baby platform hingedly mounted to the base and defining a platform plane, the baby platform operable for being movable between an opened position wherein the platform plane is disposed generally perpendicular to the base plane for the platform to receive a baby and a closed position wherein the platform plane is generally parallel to the base plane;

stop structures extending from a rear edge of the baby platform proximate the base, the stop structures extending generally perpendicular to the platform plane;

mounting pads corresponding to the stop structures and positioned on the base and disposed generally parallel to the base plane;

the stop structures operable for abutting in a co-extensive fashion against the corresponding mounting pads and disposed generally parallel to the base plane when the baby platform is moved to an open position;

the stop structures and corresponding mounting pads being positioned at spaced positions along the length of the station with a stop structure and corresponding mounting pad proximate each end of the station and a stop structure and corresponding mounting pad proximate the center of the station to provide even distribution of support of the platform along its length against the base and maintain the baby platform perpendicular to the base when the weight of a baby is placed thereon.

2. The station of claim 1 wherein said mounting pads are all formed by a generally continuous surface.

3. The station of claim 1 wherein the base includes a lip extending forwardly of a front surface of the base, the lip defining said mounting pads and configured to cover the stop structures when the stop structures abut the mounting pads to reduce crevices proximate the baby platform which might capture dirt.

4. The station of claim 1 further comprising a cylinder coupled between the base and platform to assist in the movement of the platform between the opened and the closed positions, a stop structure and mounting pad being positioned directly proximate the cylinder for providing support of the platform near the cylinder.

5. The station of claim 4 further comprising a stop structure and corresponding mounting pad positioned on opposite sides of the cylinder for providing support of the platform on both sides of the cylinder.

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